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December 4, 2024 Akwa Ibom NLC Calls Off Strike as Governor Eno Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage
IFMNEWS

Akwa Ibom NLC Calls Off Strike as Governor Eno Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has canceled its planned strike in Akwa Ibom State following an agreement with Governor Umo Eno on a new minimum wage.

NLC Akwa Ibom Chairman, Sunny James, announced on Wednesday in Uyo that the state government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, effective November 1, 2024. Retirees will also see their monthly pensions increased by ₦32,000.

“After signing the New Minimum Wage Agreement on December 3, 2024, between the Government of Akwa Ibom and Organized Labour, we are pleased to inform workers that Governor Eno has approved ₦80,000 as the new wage,” James said.

He further clarified that since November 2024 salaries have already been disbursed, the outstanding arrears will be paid by February 2025. Salaries for December 2024 will reflect the new wage adjustment.

The agreement also includes improved pension benefits for retirees, in line with the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission’s circular issued on September 27, 2024.

The NLC praised Governor Eno for his prompt action, noting that workers are committed to boosting productivity and delivering better services in appreciation of the improved welfare package.

As a result of the agreement, the indefinite strike scheduled for December 4, 2024, has been suspended, and workers have been instructed to return to their duties immediately.

December 3, 2024 EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of 753 Duplexes in Abuja Estate
IFMNEWS

EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of 753 Duplexes in Abuja Estate

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the final forfeiture of a massive estate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The forfeiture was ordered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court in response to an application filed by the EFCC.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the estate spans 150,500 square meters and comprises 753 duplexes and other apartments. It is the largest single asset ever recovered by the EFCC since its establishment in 2003.

Although the identity of the individual who forfeited the property remains undisclosed, Oyewale noted that it belonged to a “former top government official.”

The EFCC had initially secured an interim forfeiture order for the property on November 1, 2024. The court ruled that the respondent failed to provide sufficient justification to retain ownership of the estate.

“The government official who fraudulently built the estate is under investigation,” Oyewale revealed. “The forfeiture deprives the suspect of the proceeds of the crime, aligning with the EFCC’s mandate to recover assets from corrupt activities.”

The Commission invoked Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution to strengthen its case.

EFCC Chair Ola Olukoyede emphasized the significance of asset recovery in combating corruption and financial crimes, describing it as a crucial deterrent to fraudulent activities.

This landmark recovery underscores the EFCC’s commitment to upholding accountability and dismantling the financial gains of corruption.

December 3, 2024 Minimum Wage: Zamfara NLC Halts Planned Strike as Government Pledges Payment Starting March 2025
IFMNEWS

Minimum Wage: Zamfara NLC Halts Planned Strike as Government Pledges Payment Starting March 2025

In a bid to prevent an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Zamfara, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the union to implement a N70,000 minimum wage.

The agreement, reached on Monday evening after extensive negotiations between government representatives and NLC officials, also addresses other labor concerns, including improved welfare packages for state employees.

NLC Chairman in Zamfara, Comrade Sani Haliru, announced the suspension of the planned industrial action, calling the agreement a win for workers' rights. He commended Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for prioritizing dialogue and workers' welfare.

"In all our communications, we emphasized the need for agreements or commitments to be made. Tonight, we witnessed progress, with the governor himself actively involved in the process," Haliru said.

Initially expressing dissatisfaction with the delays, Haliru acknowledged the government’s commitment and noted that the union would update its national headquarters on the development.

Representing the state government, Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Nakwada described the meeting as productive. He confirmed the government’s acceptance of the N70,000 minimum wage and reiterated its commitment to fostering a positive relationship with labor unions.

"After many days of negotiations, we reached an agreement on the minimum wage. This is a balanced outcome—no victor, no vanquished," Nakwada stated.

He also confirmed that the new wage implementation will begin in March 2025. This timeline allows the state to complete ongoing verification of its workforce to ensure alignment between nominal rolls and payroll systems.

"We are over 50% through the verification process. This is crucial for balancing the workforce data with payroll. Based on the assurance from labor unions, we do not anticipate any strikes," Nakwada added.

The Zamfara NLC had initially planned to commence an indefinite strike on Tuesday if its demands were not met. Zamfara is among the 12 states identified by the NLC national body for potential industrial action due to delays in implementing the federally approved minimum wage.

RELATED: NLC Calls for Strike Over Failure to Implement Minimum Wage

December 3, 2024 Federal Government Launches Free CNG Bus Service in Abuja
IFMNEWS

Federal Government Launches Free CNG Bus Service in Abuja

The Federal Government has introduced a free Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus service in Abuja to alleviate transportation costs for residents in the capital city.

The service officially began on December 2, 2024, as highlighted in a video shared by the Presidential CNG Initiative on its X (formerly Twitter) page. The CNG buses will operate along key routes, including popular corridors from suburbs like Mararaba to Eagle Square and Berger bus stop.

To support this initiative, the government announced that passengers would enjoy free rides for 40 days, with the service ending on January 6, 2025.

Last week, the Ministry of Transportation facilitated the handover of 15 CNG-powered buses to three major transport unions to further address high transportation costs in Abuja. Beneficiaries of the initiative include:

  • National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
  • Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO)
  • Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN)

Commuters have praised the initiative, emphasizing its positive impact on daily transportation.

Fatima, one of the beneficiaries, shared her experience:

"I just boarded a CNG bus to Mararaba, and it was free of charge. I hope this continues. It feels like the start of good things for Nigerians."

Another commuter, Blessing, expressed her optimism:

"If they keep this up, it will make us happy. After this period, they should consider reducing transportation costs permanently."

The launch of the CNG bus service reflects the government’s commitment to easing financial burdens while promoting sustainable transportation solutions.

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